A Basis for Friendship

It’s been fun connecting with friends this week. No two conversations or meeting places were alike. One friend was in a rehab center, another brought me a bag of vegetables and other goodies, and one I hadn’t heard from in several weeks called to catch up.

I have a lot of enjoyable acquaintances, but there’s nothing like a friend who understands and appreciates my approach to life. We may not agree on every issue, but we respectfully agree to disagree, and our friendship remains intact.

Amos 3:3 (NLT) asks a simple question: Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? It would be foolish to answer, “Yes.”

God made a way for us to enter His heaven through the sacrifice made by Jesus, His Son (John 3:16-21 NIV). Not only that, He gave us a spiritual playbook, The Bible.

I’ve never played football, but I heard Tony Dungy say recently, “The playbook is crucial to the game. If a player loses his playbook, he’ll pay a big fine.” Too many of us have God’s playbook and simply choose to ignore it.

Psalm 15 is five short verses, but those who want to walk with God right on into heaven should consider them:  

The Message Bible puts it in simplest terms:

Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.

Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor;

Despise the despicable.

Keep your word even when it costs you,

Make an honest living, never take a bribe.

Read it in any translation; 

the bottom line is the same. 

These character qualities are a good basis 

for friendship with both God and man. 

How do you measure up?

God is always willing to help you make changes. It only deepens your relationship as you pour out your heart to Him.